What motivates construction craftsmen in developing countries? A case study of Indonesia

Factors influencing the motivation of Indonesian construction operatives are identified. The research was conducted via a structured questionnaire of 93 bricklayers, 81 carpenters and 69 steelfixers, supported by interviews, and carried out on 27 high-rise Indonesian construction projects. Respondents ranked the importance of motivating and demotivating factors based on their combined experiences. They also indicated the frequency of occurrence of each motivating and demotivating factor on their present construction sites. From the survey data, relative importance indices are derived and five predominant motivating factors emerge: fairness of pay; good relationship with workmates; overtime payment; bonus; and good safety. The five most predominant demotivating factors are: disrespectful supervision; little accomplishment; lack of co-operation amongst workmates; discontinuity of work; and unsafe working conditions. Results also confirm that there is no significant difference between perceptions of motivating and demotivating factors amongst the three groups of craftsmen surveyed. It is concluded that motivation improvement (of craftsmen) should aim to satisfy predominant motivating factors whilst simultaneously decreasing the effect of demotivating factors.